10 Best External Backup Drive For Mac 2025 in the United States

The LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive boasts substantial storage capacity, making it an excellent option for Mac users who need to manage large files or extensive media libraries. Its 10TB capacity allows you to store a vast amount of data, while the 7200 RPM speed ensures that data transfers are relatively quick at up to 240MB/s.

This drive connects seamlessly with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, which are common on modern Mac computers, providing ease of use and compatibility. The aluminum form factor is designed to reduce noise and vibration, offering a quieter working environment, and the BarraCuda Pro enterprise-class drive inside ensures durability and reliability for long-term use.

The 5-year warranty and included recovery service offer peace of mind, especially for those dealing with critical or sensitive data. However, this drive is best suited for desktop use due to its size and weight, which makes it less portable. While it does offer Wi-Fi connectivity, the primary interface remains USB 3.0. Despite these minor drawbacks, the LaCie d2 Professional is a solid choice for creative professionals or anyone needing substantial, reliable storage for their Mac.

The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB offers impressive storage capacity and high-speed performance, making it a solid choice for Mac users needing an external backup drive. With its 4TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, it provides ample space and fast data transfer speeds, up to 2,000MB/s, which is ideal for large file transfers, backups, and even gaming.

The compact size (3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches) and lightweight design (4.3 ounces) enhance its portability, making it easy to carry around for students, professionals, and gamers alike. Compatibility is broad, covering PCs, gaming consoles, iPhones, tablets, and Macs, ensuring versatile use across different devices. The drive's durability is noteworthy, with rugged construction that can withstand drops up to 9.8 feet, and its Dynamic Thermal Guard feature helps manage heat during heavy use, maintaining performance.

Additionally, it supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption, adding a layer of security for sensitive data. However, while the drive boasts excellent features, its price might be on the higher end compared to other external SSDs, and users who do not require such high-speed performance and large capacity might find it more than they need. It also requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to achieve top speeds, which may not be available on all Macs. The included software, Magician, ensures firmware is up-to-date and offers extra encryption and drive health monitoring, adding value to the package. For Mac users seeking a robust, high-performance external backup drive, the SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB stands out as a top contender.

The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 4TB external hard drive is a solid choice for Mac users needing a durable and portable backup solution. Its 4TB mechanical drive offers ample storage for large files and backups. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt and USB-C, providing fast transfer speeds up to 130MB/s, which is decent for a mechanical drive but slower than modern SSDs.

The drive stands out for its rugged design—it's drop, dust, and water resistant—making it ideal if you often work or travel outdoors. Portability is good thanks to its compact 2.5-inch size and modest weight. It comes with a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership, which is a nice bonus for creatives, and a three-year warranty plus data recovery services that add peace of mind.

As a traditional spinning hard drive, it is more vulnerable to shocks than SSDs and typically slower. Users might need to add software for securing sensitive data since encryption isn't explicitly stated. This drive is well-suited for Mac users who prioritize durability and reliability in a portable backup drive.